TBBP Founder quoted in Fast Company article, “This Is Why No One Understands What You’re Saying”

In an article published for Fast Company on October 23, 2017, Shani Magosky provided guidance on breaking down communication barriers in the workplace that hamper efficiency and teamwork. While leaders may be tempted to blame others for miscommunication issues, self-reflection is crucial to improvement since it allows the chance to figure out what changes should be made, such as style and approach. However, as Shani points out, if multiple people have misunderstood you on more than one occasion, it’s not just an isolated incident of miscommunication.

In order to change communications for the better, leaders should ask open-ended questions that encourage dialogue, communicate observable data in non-emotional, business-oriented terms and let go of assumptions. “Humans are assumption-making machines, but effective communicators are self-aware enough to recognize when they’re jumping to conclusions, making judgments, or using labels,” says Shani. “The best communicators listen more than they speak.”